Secrets of Sri Lanka

Lying between the more explored parts of India and Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka's history, culture, and natural beauty make it an undeniably alluring destination. A historian's playground, Sri Lanka has a history that dates back 3,000 years and is one of a few places offering as many as eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the world-renowned Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple. Like its massive neighbour India Sri Lanka is a diverse country, home to many religions, ethnicities and languages. Its size, however, means that visitors can spend time meditating in a 2000-year-old temple in the morning, touring the sacred home of the world's oldest living human-planted tree in the afternoon and savouring mouth-watering local rice and curry dishes for dinner. It is also still blessed with various wildlife that has survived on this small island for centuries alongside this human civilisation, including the mighty Sri Lankan Elephant. A true gem, Sri Lanka has something for everyone - from the modern city of Colombo with its skyscrapers to national parks teeming with elephants and miles of pristine beaches that offer epic surf.

As an international traveller, you are required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation’ (ETA) online in advance of your travel. We advise you apply through the government website rather than an agency. More details can be found here: https://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/extsheta.jsp?locale=en_US

Tourist Visa
The Tourist Visa under ETA is ideal for individuals visiting Sri Lanka for leisure or other non-business-related purposes. Activities allowed under the Tourist Visa include:

Sightseeing and Holidaying: Perfect for those exploring the rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty of Sri Lanka.
Visiting Friends and Relatives: If you're visiting family or friends in Sri Lanka, this visa covers that purpose.
Medical Treatment: Visitors seeking traditional Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, or other medical procedures can use this visa.
Cultural and Sporting Events: Participation in cultural performances, sporting events, or competitions is permitted under the Tourist Visa.

Applying for an ETA is a straightforward process. You can easily apply online by visiting the official website of the Sri Lanka ETA system. You will need to provide basic personal information, select the type of visa you are applying for (Tourist, Business, or Transit), and pay the necessary fees. Most ETA applications are processed within 24 hours, and you will receive the approval note via email. Be sure to print this note and carry it with you during your travels.

The ETA Approval Note is an essential document for anyone visiting Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit purposes. By understanding the categories, conditions, and requirements associated with the ETA, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Sri Lanka. Whether you're exploring the beautiful landscapes, attending a conference, or passing through the country, the ETA simplifies your travel experience, offering convenience and efficiency for short-term stays. For further details or assistance, you can visit the official website or consult the frequently asked questions section.

Currency

Local currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
Symbol: ₨ in English, රු in Sinhala,
ISO code: LKR
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: රු20, රු50, රු100, රු500, රු1000, රු1000, රු5000
Coins: රු1, රු2, රු5, රු10

Banking

Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes

Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Weekends: Saturdays - Selected businesses 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM | Sundays - Closed
Public Holidays: Closed
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air: 

Main airlines: SriLankan Airlines 
International Airports: Bandaranaike International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, Ratmalana Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

There is a high endemic risk of Dengue fever, there is no preventative medication for this viral infection which is spread by mosquitos, take every precaution to avoid being bitten by mosquitos.  There is also a low but present risk of Zika virus and Chikungunya, both of these infections are also caused by mosquitos. 

Precautions: rigorous bite-avoidance (DEET or picaridin repellents, long sleeves at dawn/dusk). Consult your travel-health clinic or GP before you go.

INOCULATIONS
This information has been taken from Travel Health Pro as recommended by the UK government. 
•    Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain.
•    Courses or boosters usually advised: tetanus;.
•    Other vaccines to consider:  Chikungunya; Cholera; Dengue: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Japanese encephalitis; Rabies; Tuberculosis; Typhoid
•    Yellow fever vaccination certificate - Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Please note that for your own safety you should inform us about any intolerances or allergies against any medications that you may have and also of any medical conditions, for example high blood pressure, epilepsy, asthma, heart conditions, etc. Make sure you know your blood group.
For detailed and/or definitive medical advice, please consult your physician.  Your medical requirements are your responsibility, seek pre-travel health advice (6–8 weeks before departure).

As with travel to anywhere in the world, it’s always sensible to be cautious. Be observant, and avoid displaying expensive cameras, jewellery or cash in the way of temptation.  Deposit valuables in your hotel’s safety deposit box if there is one.  Do not leave your baggage or hotel key unattended.  

Always have a photocopy of your passport, and any visas, kept separately from your real one.  It is never a good idea to carry large amounts of cash openly or in one stash.  When you need cash for purchases at local markets keep some in a purse, and the rest in a travel wallet, or a zip pocket.

Remember that your guide is an expert, so always follow their advice and ask them questions if you are unsure of anything.  

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its aromatic spices, vibrant flavours and rich variety. Rice and curry are staples, often accompanied by dishes like dhal (lentil curry), sambol (coconut relish), and hoppers (pancakes). Notable local drinks include king coconut water, arrack (coconut spirit), and Ceylon tea. 
Tipping: 10% 

Annual rainfall: 2000 - 3000 mm 
Average temperature: 27°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 31°C 
Average lows: 25°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 29°C 
Average lows: 23°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March, during the dry season, when the weather is generally sunny and pleasant. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet access is widely available in Sri Lanka, especially in major towns, cities, and tourist areas. Mobile data coverage (mainly 4G) is generally reliable, though speeds and availability can drop in rural or remote regions. Wi-Fi is common in hotels and restaurants, but mobile data is often the most dependable option while travelling.

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Yes 

TELEPHONE

The international code for Sri Lanka is +94, followed by the area code or mobile prefix and the individual telephone number.
If you wish to call overseas from Sri Lanka, dial 00, then the country code, area code, and the number of the person you wish to reach.

MOBILE TELEPHONES

Using roaming with your foreign mobile can be very expensive, so check with your service provider before you travel.

It is easy and inexpensive to buy a local SIM card on arrival. Major providers offer prepaid and tourist SIMs with data and local call packages. If you plan to use one, make sure your smartphone is unlocked.

Sri Lanka uses a range of sockets, so your full range of travel adaptors may come in useful. Specialised Sri Lankan adaptors can be bought in major hotels and many shops. UK sockets (square pinned) tend to be used, although older hotels, especially in the hill country, may use older UK sockets (round pinned).  The voltage in Sri Lanka is 230 and not 110. Adapters are available in most hotels.

Plug Type: Type D, Type G 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Time Zone

Sri Lanka is 05.30 hours ahead of the United Kingdom (SLST).

Language
Sinhala and Tamil  are the primary languages of most Sri Lankans, and English is widely spoken in urban areas. It is always helpful to know a few phrases in the spoken language, especially in more rural areas. 

Hello = Hallo

Please = Vennligst

Thank you = Takk

Goodbye = Adjø

How much is it? = Hvor mye er det?

Excuse me = Unnskyld meg

Yes = Ja

No = Nei

I don’t understand = jeg forstår ikke

Help! = Hjelp!

Religion

Most of the population is Buddhist.